Gou Du

Gou Du

Contents

Gou Du (simplified: 苟读, traditional: 苟讀, pinyin: Gǒu Dú, jyutping: gau2 duk6) was one of the Eight Friends of Hangu, specializing in books and literature as a member of the Deaf Mute School.

Biography

Gou Du was one of the Eight Friends of Hangu, a group of specialized disciples under Su Xinghe of the Deaf Mute School. Each friend represented a different artistic or scholarly discipline, with Gou Du specializing in books and literature.

Classical knowledge

Gou Du possessed extensive knowledge of classical Chinese texts and literary traditions, including:

  • Confucian classics - Understanding of traditional philosophical texts, particularly the Analects1
  • Historical records - Knowledge of Chinese history and historical literature
  • Poetry and prose - Appreciation of classical Chinese literary forms
  • Cultural traditions - Understanding of traditional Chinese cultural values
  • Buddhist texts - Knowledge of Buddhist scriptures and teachings, including the works of Eastern Jin Dynasty monk Kumarajiva2

The encounter with Xuantong

One of Gou Du’s most notable achievements was his encounter with Xuantong, a Shaolin monk. During a confrontation, Gou Du used his extensive knowledge of classical texts to engage in a philosophical debate with the monk. He quoted from the Analects1 and other Confucian texts, arguing about concepts of benevolence and righteousness.

When his initial arguments failed to have the desired effect, Gou Du employed a clever strategy by quoting Buddhist scriptures, specifically the verses of Kumarajiva2: “Having abandoned defiled pleasures, is the mind well-controlled? If it does not scatter, is it deeply concentrated?”

This display of erudition impressed both Xuantong and Xuannan, who were amazed that this “bookworm” could recite the verses of such an ancient Buddhist master. Gou Du’s knowledge of both Confucian and Buddhist texts demonstrated his comprehensive understanding of Chinese intellectual traditions.

The enlightenment of Xuantong

Gou Du’s final argument proved decisive. He continued with more Buddhist verses and then cleverly pointed out that even Buddhist masters used the term “benevolent person” (仁者), concluding that “the principles of the world are all the same.” He advised Xuantong to “turn back from the shore of delusion and lay down the butcher’s knife.”

This argument caused Xuantong to suddenly achieve enlightenment, leading him to exclaim “Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Namo Amitabha Buddha!” and then pass away peacefully. Gou Du’s ability to use his literary knowledge to bring about such a profound spiritual transformation demonstrated the power of intellectual understanding in the jianghu.

Personality and traits

Gou Du was characterized by his scholarly dedication and intellectual curiosity. His extensive knowledge of classical texts, both Confucian and Buddhist, demonstrated his commitment to learning and understanding. His ability to engage in philosophical debates and to use his knowledge strategically showed his intellectual flexibility and practical application of scholarship.

Martial arts abilities

Gou Du appears in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils as one of the Eight Friends of Hangu, specializing in books and literature as part of the Deaf Mute School.

Martial arts abilities

Gou Du’s literary skills were integrated with his martial arts training, creating a unique approach that incorporated cultural knowledge and intellectual understanding.

Relationships

Gou Du was a disciple of Su Xinghe and worked alongside the other Eight Friends of Hangu, each contributing their specialized skills to the group’s collective expertise.

Behind the scenes

Gou Du appears in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils as one of the Eight Friends of Hangu, specializing in books and literature as part of the Deaf Mute School.

See also

Footnotes

  1. 论语 – Lúnyǔ. A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his contemporaries, compiled around 475-221 BCE. One of the most important texts in Chinese philosophy and culture. ↩ ↩2

  2. 鸠摩罗什 – Jiūmóluóshí. A Buddhist monk, scholar, and translator who lived from 344-413 CE. He translated many Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Chinese and was instrumental in spreading Buddhism in China. ↩ ↩2

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